2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a new standard for immersive, narrative-rich action-adventure games. While comparing other games to these masterpieces can lead to disappointment, there are several titles that can satisfy fans of the God of War series. These games may not surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they share and effectively implement key design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.
As we eagerly await further news on the future of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might enjoy. Whether you're drawn to the series for its visceral third-person combat, intricate world design, compelling narratives, or exploration of Norse mythology, these recommendations should cater to your interests.
*For more God of War content, don't miss out on the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.*
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
**For fans of God of War’s combat, Norse setting/mythological exploration, and/or story.**
Much like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a perilous journey driven by the memory of a lost love, set within a richly detailed Norse mythology-inspired world. Her journey leads her through Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua also interacts with a decapitated head, mirroring Kratos's interactions with Mimir.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice shares God of War's intense third-person combat, viewed from a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games also use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The narratives of both games are elevated by standout performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) each winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
For more of Senua's story, be sure to check out the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.
The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2
**For fans of God of War’s story, immersive world, and/or cinematic qualities.**
While The Last of Us and God of War differ in setting and gameplay, they both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in this genre over the past two console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2 epitomizing this mastery.
The compelling narratives of both series are driven by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son bond between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar dynamic between Joel and Ellie, where a morally complex protector guides a sharp-witted teenager through a treacherous world.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
**For fans of God of War’s Norse setting/mythological exploration, combat, and/or RPG mechanics.**
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports players to Northern Europe, immersing them in Norse mythology. Familiar characters from the Nine Realms, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr, will resonate with God of War fans. The game's brutal, melee-focused combat and extensive RPG elements, including skill trees, loot systems, and upgradable armor, offer a similar experience to God of War’s gameplay.
*For more games like Assassin's Creed, check out our related recommendations if you enjoyed Valhalla.*
Jotun
**For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.**
Jotun presents a unique take on Norse mythology through its beautifully hand-drawn art style, featuring interpretations of Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. The game is more deliberate in pace, focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, but it excels in delivering intense boss battles against colossal Norse giants.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
**For fans of God of War’s semi-open-world design.**
Rise of the Tomb Raider shares God of War's semi-open-world design, featuring Metroidvania-like areas that loop back on themselves and expand as you progress. This approach complements games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a formula both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War execute masterfully.
While Tomb Raider leans more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and character-driven narrative, set against a snowy backdrop, should resonate with God of War fans.
*To explore the entire Tomb Raider series, see our guide on how to play the games in order.*
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor
**For fans of God of War’s semi-open-world design and/or combat.**
Fans of God of War's semi-open-world design will find much to enjoy in the Star Wars Jedi series. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked through progression-based abilities. Additionally, the series offers satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights, elements that should appeal to God of War enthusiasts.
The engaging gameplay, immersive world, and compelling narrative in these games echo the successful formula of God of War. This similarity is partly due to the shared creative vision of Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before helming the Star Wars Jedi series.
*Discover more with our list of the best Star Wars games of all time.*
The Walking Dead: Season 1
Developer: Telltale Games | Publisher: Telltale Games | Release Date: April 24, 2012 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mobile | Review: IGN's The Walking Dead: The Game review
**For fans of God of War’s story.**
Telltale's The Walking Dead offers a different gameplay experience, focusing on choice-based point-and-click adventures with limited action sequences. However, the emotional impact of its story and characters is where it resonates most with God of War fans.
Over five episodes, The Walking Dead's first season delivers a poignant narrative. You play as Lee, a man seeking redemption, who forms a protective, parental bond with a young girl named Clem amidst an apocalyptic setting. This relationship mirrors the core dynamic between Kratos and Atreus in God of War.
AnswerSee ResultsIf you disagree with our selections, let us know your favorite games that echo God of War in the comments section!
If you're new to the God of War series, explore our guide on the series' chronology to find the best way to experience the God of War games in order, or dive into our collection of every IGN God of War review.
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